New BMW M2 Coupé: the test on the track

Inheritance and the passing of the baton is something delicate that you always have to deal with. BMW knows this well, and the lineage of the Ms does not allow for missteps, especially since the M2 is the best-selling and most appreciated “M” ever with over 60,000 cars on the road. The new M2 Coupe it could not betray expectations and more than an update in this case we are talking about a real revolution. The second generation M2 has grown in everything. It was born on the basis of the M4 from which many components derive. Muscular, mean and powerful, the new M2 is like this and with only one rear-wheel Drive. Compact and fast as and more than the M4, agile thanks to a step halfway between that of the latter and the previous version of the M2. Performance is impressive thanks to the 3.0 biturbo which delivers 460 HP and allows you to go from 0-100 km/h in 4.1 seconds. Top speed is always limited to 250 km/h, which becomes 285 if you purchase the optional M Driver’s Package. For purists there is also the optional manual gearbox, for uncompromising driving. Already in the dealership, the BMW M2 Coupé is on sale from 78,100 euros.

Bmw M2: how it is made, the exteriors

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It seduces at first glance. The snout is long, the front atypical, with the horizontal kidney grille and those large intakes to let the straight-six breathe, pawing under the hunched bonnet. Muscles in sight and wide and powerful hips underline the power we are dealing with: even when stationary, the M2 immediately makes it clear what it’s made of. The rear with the short tail is enhanced by the diffuser with the four tailpipes that fill the view and the heart every time the valves open to give it full voice. Short overhangs and extreme wheels, even visually the new M2 Coupé is glued to the asphalt. Size and content are growing. Longer, lower, wider, with an increased wheelbase and a perfect 50/50 weight distribution. It was born on the basis of the M4, but the 2,747 mm wheelbase tells us better agility (-110 mm vs M4) and greater traction and stability (+54 mm vs the previous version of the M2). Ground contact has also increased thanks to the track marking +44 mm at the front and +18 mm at the rear. If all that weren’t enough, there’s also the optional M Carbon package with many other accessories and a magnificent carbon roof that reduces weight by 6 kg contributing to structural rigidity and a lower center of gravity.

Bmw M2: how it is made, the interior

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Double screen and Curved display. Thus, the new M2 welcomes you, pampered and contented by the M sports seats with integrated headrest (optional) and a sensational driving position. For purists, there are also carbon fiber “shell” seats, with a weight saving of almost 11 kg. The different driving modes are controlled from the central tunnel Road, Sport And trackbut the possibility of customization is much wider and literally allows you to tailoring the M2 to himself by selecting the best response from the engine, steering, brakes and suspension. In the’infotainment the M Laptimer is also integrated (with complete lap telemetry) and the possibility of managing the traction control on 10 intervention levels. At full rein then you can play with the M Drift Analyzer which assigns the votes for the best “traverse” on the track.

Bmw M2: how it’s made, the technique

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Bmw Twin Power Turbo, an acronym that talks about technology, but can also be misleading. So let’s be clear, the new BMW M2 inherits the 6-cylinder in-line engine of its sister M4, the well-known S58 supercharged by two conventional turbines. Amounts to 550 Nm torque is available between 2,650 and 5,870 rpm, while 460 HP are delivered at 6,250 with the possibility of extending up to 7,200. As per tradition we find the Valvetronic system and double Vanos variable valve timing; direct injection reaches 350 bar. As for the transmission, the M2 comes standard with the 8-speed automatic with torque converter and Active M electronically controlled mechanical self-locking rear differential. An option for around 500 euros is the 6-speed manual gearbox: performance in this case rises to 4.3 seconds in the 0-100 km against 4.1 and 14.3 in the 400 meters against 13.5. In short, the manual has its charm, but the automatic is faster and thanks to the 8 gears it helps to increase performance. Developed and refined on the legendary Nürburgring circuit, the M2 features McPherson suspension at the front and multi-link at the rear with extensive use of aluminum to reduce weight and unsprung masses. The shock absorbers are electronically controlled with an infinite range of adjustments, even the steering and brakes can be managed from the menu and can be set on different levels. The traction control is configurable thanks to the M Dynamic Mode: once released the stability controls are up to 10 the methods of intervention. The differentiated Michelin Pilot Sport 2 275/35 R19 tires at the front and 285/30 ZR20 at the rear take care of discharging so much power to the ground. The task of braking a mass of over 1,700 kg is performed by the 370 mm discs with 6 piston calipers at the front and 360 mm steel discs at the rear with single piston fixed caliper. Carbon ceramic brakes are not availablethe most suitable for those who often cross the gates of the racetracks.

Bmw M2: how it goes

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The day was a hot one, with the Vallelunga pit lane invaded by perfectly lined up M2s ready to go. Let’s start with the i4, an “electrifying” appetizer to review the trajectories and discover once again the brutality and thrust of the M50, dizzying. Immediately after it is the turn of the M2, we can not wait. Colleagues descend with an unmistakable smile. Our turn comes. I ride the pit lane as if I had the “speed limiter” to then enjoy the beastly acceleration leaving the track. We are in comfort and the M2 already glues us to the seat. Second, third, fourth and fifth in a moment we are at the Curvone. I decide to enter, the M2 gives safety and then off towards the Cimini. In a flash we are already well over 200 km/h, I brake hard, the M2 turns around and shoots me hard at Campagnano. There is a lot of push and a lot of traction. The passage into Sport it does nothing but accentuate these sensations, further raising the bar and confidence together with performance. Steering, gearbox, suspension, everything becomes sharper and more responsive and the M2 shows that it knows how to do even better. Even the brakes are preloaded, improving the “bite” and the pedal feeling, which, lap after lap, however, loses some effectiveness. Beyond the Sport there is also the Sports Plus which allows you to get the most out of the track. With this driving mode, the eight-speed gearbox is sharp and quick to climb, the steering is “tough” and communicative, like the set-up which is stiff, but not firm and thanks to the perfect weight distribution, you can feel the M2 moving under the hands. I think this is one of its strengths. Very fast and very communicative, she immediately gives confidence and invites you to push. On the fast you take advantage of the stability of the longer step and in the mixed it still manages to be incisive and to turn with precision close to the rope. Out of corners the thrust and torque of the 3.0 biturbo are crazy and already from 3,000 rpm you are projected forward with strength, showing the goodness of a setup that makes the M2 BMW’s new track weapon. All this is seasoned with an engaging sound, full and guttural in the bass and more metallic as the revs increase, also amplified by the sound generator.

Pros and cons

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Pleases: Performance and pleasure; ease of driving; driving settings.

Do not like: Weight: well distributed, but important; with the options the price goes up very quickly.